History

There are many historical events associated with Sonepur Mela like the first meeting of the “Indian Association of Cow Protection” held at this place in 1888. Different meetings during Sonepur Fair lead to the launch of the struggle movement against the British imperialism in Bihar.

The fair was also used as a recruitment ground by The Provincial Congress Committee of Bihar and the Bihar Kisan Sabha (Farmers union), these all events made this fair as the breeding ground of politics.

One of the interesting histories associated with the fair is that the original site for this popular fair was Hajipur instead of Sonepur. Previously only the ceremony of puja used to be held at Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur but later the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb decided to shift the site of the fair to Sonepur.

It is believed that the temple of Harihar Nath was built by Lord Rama on his way to court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita and later repaired by Raja Man Singh. Finally Raja Ram Narain further modified the temple during the late Mughal period.

These days, Sonepur fair also called Harihar Kshetra Mela is administered by District of Chapra with support from Bihar Govt. and promoted by the Tourism Ministry of Bihar. The administration also arranges health and welfare camps, sanitation, drinking water facilities for the visitors.